Finding the best area to stay in Turin (Italy’s fourth-largest city) is not so complicated, so let me start by putting your mind at ease. My straightforward answer would be the historic center as it is every traveler’s focal point when they visit the city, but I also have recommendations for those with other preferences.
After exploring Turin quite thoroughly on foot and understanding a bit better what each neighborhood offers, I feel confident that I can help you choose the best accommodation location for you, so let’s get started.
*This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
*I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.
*As a partner of the Get Your Guide affiliate program, I got a 15% discount when I purchased my Torino+Piemonte Card. That said, I always share my honest opinions.
My favorite carb in Turin: The pastries and desserts of Farmacia del Cambio.
Things to Notice Before Choosing Where to Stay in Turin
Check-in time: Many places (those without a 24/7 reception desk) do not only limit their check-in time to a few hours in the afternoon but also charge between 20-50 euros for late arrival.
Parking: One of the biggest mistakes to avoid in Italy is renting a car while still staying in a big city. Unless Turin is a stop a road trip, I recommend avoiding getting into the city with a car as most hotels don’t have private parking, and street parking can be very limited. Also, getting around on foot and by public transport is easy and budget-friendly.
Breakfast: If your hotel only offers an Italian breakfast, which consists of coffee and a pastry, consider having it at one of Turin’s cafes instead (you’ll pay a lot less).
City taxes: Read all the small letters and note that you’ll have to pay some extra euros for city taxes.
Good to know #1: It’s not uncommon to find accommodations in Turin that accept guests planning a vacation with pets.
Good to know #2: Most accommodations have an elevator, as well as a coffee machine, heating, and air conditioning.
Quick Recommendations for the Best Area to Stay in Turin
Dive into the full post with all the pros and cons of each neighborhood or see these quick highly-rated suggestions:
For first-time visitors: Centro Storico (Historic Center). Check out the highly-rated:
1. Attic Hostel Torino (budget)
2. Q71 Timeless Suites (mid-range)
3. Emozione Torino (mid-range – where I stayed)
4. Corte Realdi Luxury Rooms Torino (luxury)
Elegant, quiet, and close enough to the center: Crocetta. Check out the highly-rated:
1. Maison Rêve (mid-range)
2. Turin Palace Hotel (luxury)
For nightlife: San Salvario. Check out the highly-rated:
1. Tomato Backpackers (budget)
2. Magic Home 57 (mid-range)
On a budget: Aurora-Vanchiglia. Check out the highly-rated:
1. Combo Torino (budget)
2. B&B IL SOGNO (budget)
3. B&B Torino Arcuri (mid-range)
Want to save money on attractions when visiting Turin?
Get your 1,2,3, or 5-day Torino+Piemonte Card to enter the city’s (and region’s) best museums and palaces for FREE!
Admission fees for each attraction are 10-18 euros, and the card is reasonably priced (€29/€39/€45/€50), so if you’re going to visit the top sites, it’s pretty much impossible not to save money with it (the 3-day card can easily save you 20-30 euros).
Note that the 1-day card only offers free entrance to 3 sites.
Alternatively, you can purchase the Royal Pass (€30), valid for 4 days and offering FREE entrance solely to the palaces and castles of the House of Savoy in Turin and Piedmont (and the Basilica of Superga), as well as discounts on a few museums and public transport.
for First-Time Visitors: The Historic Center (Centro Storico)
Overview and Things to Do
While you’ll find things to do in every district of Turin, there’s no doubt that the historic center is the one with the most landmarks, museums, shopping streets, historic cafes, and other points of interest.
I also loved roaming it freely, wandering its streets without a special destination, and discovering its hidden gems.
It’s probably the first and most obvious choice of many people looking for the best location to stay in Turin on their first visit. It can be a great area for all groups of travelers, including families, friends, and couples.
Some of the best things to do in the center are visiting the Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace) at Piazza Castello, admiring the Mole Antonelliana building (which houses the National Museum of Cinema), visiting the Egyptian Museum, and shopping at some of the city’s best chocolate shops (you can even take this highly-rated chocolate & sweets tour).
The center also includes an area called Quadrilatero Romano, which is where you’ll find the 18th-century Caffé Al Bicerin (where the local drink Bicerin was invented) and the beautiful Palatine Gate, dating back to Roman times.
All of the landmarks and museums I’ve mentioned are FREE to visit with the Torino+Piemonte Card.
Pros of Staying in the Historic Center
- This is the heart of the action. You’ll be within easy reach of most of Turin’s main attractions, including museums, lively piazzas, and palaces listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- You’ll find plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars in the area
- Dozens of accommodation options are available
Cons of Staying in the Historic Center
- If Turin is a stop on a road trip and you’re traveling by car, your parking options will be limited
Highly Rated Accommodations in the Historic Center
Attic Hostel Torino (Budget)
With a convenient location near Porta Nuova train station, this hostel offers 8 attic-style rooms – single & double rooms with a shared bathroom, dorms of 4-6 people, and en suite double rooms for a higher budget.
The hostel is, of course, equipped with everything you’ll need, from a shared kitchen and a washing machine to lockers and games. It also prides itself on trying to be as environmentally sustainable as possible. Read more about it and book it here.
Emozione Torino (Mid-Range)
I loved staying at this 2-bedroom apartment, suitable for up to 6 people. It is fully equipped (even with puzzles and games), very spacious and clean, and it has a wonderful location above a lovely pizzeria only a short walk away from many famous sites.
The host is friendly and welcoming, and she helped me greatly with late check-in and check-out, information, and tips, so I’d gladly go back to this apartment. Read more reviews and book your stay here.
Q71 Timeless Suites (Mid-Range)
Situated right on Piazza Castello, which couldn’t be more central, this property features 9 extremely spacious, super elegant, and fully-equipped suites, some of which can accommodate up to 6 people.
It offers an ideal combo of a perfect location and carefully designed suites with all the amenities you need, so it’s surprising to see its prices, which could have been much higher. Consult the latest rates and availability here.
Corte Realdi Luxury Rooms Torino (Luxury)
Housed in a 17th-century palazzo facing the Royal Palace of Turin (Palazzo Reale), this 7-room boutique hotel could not be more centrally located.
With spacious, modern deluxe rooms, a highly-rated Italian breakfast, concierge service, and other amenities and services, it’s no wonder why it has a rating of 9+. Read reviews and book it here.
If you want to stay in one of the most famous luxury hotels in Turin, you can also check out the 5-star Grand Hotel Sitea.
Elegant, Less Touristy, and Central Enough – Crocetta
Overview and Things to Do
Crocetta is known as prestigious and architecturally elegant, but it also feels authentic because it’s more of an ordinary residential area rather than a touristy one, making it one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Turin.
The closer you stay to the avenue Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, the easier it will be to reach the historic center on foot. You’ll also get to enjoy Crocetta’s charm and beautiful Art Nouveau buildings.
There are more than enough restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and bars in the neighborhood, and it’s also where you’ll find the Civic Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art (GAM), Crocetta Market, and Beata Vergine delle Grazie Church.
Pros of Staying in Crocetta
- It’s a quiet, pleasant neighborhood to wander around
- You can find great accommodations within easy reach of the historic center (in the north of Crocetta)
- In comparison to the center, it’ll be easier to find parking if you’re traveling by car
Cons of Staying in Crocetta
- Only a couple of Turin’s attractions are located in the neighborhood itself
- Accommodations in the south of Crocetta are not so close to the center
Highly-Rated Accommodations in Crocetta
Liberty Hotel (Mid-Range)
I had a perfect stay at this hotel, which was conveniently located only a 10-minute walk away from the shopping street Via Roma (which connects to the historic center).
With impeccable service by the super friendly staff (available 24/7), great breakfast (optional), and cozy quiet rooms, there’s a lot to love about this hotel. Some rooms can accommodate up to five people, and the simple, classic European/Italian decor definitely adds to the hotel’s charm.
That said, I can see why some people might find the decor outdated, and depending on your room, the shower can be a bit too small.
You’ll also find a kettle with free tea bags in each room, and there’s a small bar area where the staff can make you coffee 24/7. In addition, you can check in whenever you want after 2 PM without paying any additional fee. Read more reviews and browse prices here.
Maison Rêve Torino Centro (Mid-Range)
On the beautiful Via Sacchi (adjacent to Porta Nuova train station), you’ll find this little guesthouse, which offers cozy rooms and suites for 2-3 people.
Apart from general essentials like a flat-screen TV, free wifi, and a safe, you’ll also find a kettle and tea/coffee, and breakfast can be served in your room upon request. Read more and browse the latest prices here.
Turin Palace Hotel (Luxury)
Considered one of the best hotels in Turin, the 4-star Turin Palace Hotel is located on Via Sacchi (right in front of the gorgeous Porta Nuova train station), only a short walk away from the historic center. It is housed in a remodeled 19th-century building and has a rating of 9.4!
Apart from elegant, spacious rooms and suites for up to four people, the hotel’s services and amenities include an on-site restaurant, a 24/7 reception desk, a spa, a highly-rated breakfast, and much more. Read reviews and book it here.
for Nightlife – San Salvario
Overview and Things to Do
Located southeast of the historic center, San Salvario is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, lively neighborhood known for its nightlife scene.
It’s also home to one of the top places to see in Turin – Valentino Park – where you’ll find the stunning Castello del Valentino, the unique Medieval Village, the botanical gardens, and much more.
In the northern part of the neighborhood, which is close to the center, you’ll even get to see Turin’s gorgeous synagogue.
Pros of Staying in San Salvario
- There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, bars, and clubs in the area
- You can find great accommodations within easy reach of the historic center (in north San Salvario)
- Some of Turin’s main attractions are situated in the neighborhood itself
Cons of Staying in San Salvario
- Some areas are unpleasant to walk through (like the ones near the train station), especially at night
- Many streets can be too noisy since it’s a popular area for nightlife
- Limited parking options for those traveling by car
- Accommodations in the south of San Salvario are not so close to the center
Highly-Rated Accommodations in San Salvario
Tomato Backpackers (Budget)
Located right between Valentino Park, Porta Nuova train station, and the avenue Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, this environmentally-friendly hostel offers single, double, and triple rooms, as well as 4-bed dorms, all with an en-suite bathroom.
You’ll also find plenty of shared spaces (including a kitchen, a garden, and a bar/cafe), and the surrounding area is packed with cafes, restaurants, and bars. Read reviews and book your stay here.
Magic Home 57 (Mid-Range)
Suitable for up to 4 people, this spacious apartment is fully equipped, even with a washing machine. There is a bit of walking to the city center, but you’ll find bus and tram stops a stone’s throw away from the property. Read reviews and book your stay here.
on a Budget: Aurora-Vanchiglia
Overview and Things to Do
Vanchiglia, located near the northeast edge of the historic center, is where you can immerse yourself in the everyday life of the locals, while the bustling multi-ethnic Aurora is situated north of the center.
This district is home to the Balon flea market, the Lavazza Museum, and the Porta Palazzo market, Europe’s largest open-air market and one of the most bustling spots in Turin. It’s also a great area to stay if you’re backpacking in Italy.
Pros of Staying in Aurora-Vanchiglia
- You can find accommodations within easy reach of the historic center
- This area is home to some of Turin’s most popular points of interest
- There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars in both Vanchiglia and Aurora
Cons of Staying in Aurora-Vanchiglia
- Some areas can be very crowded by day and unpleasant to walk through at night (like the area of the Porta Palazzo Market)
- Budget-friendly accommodations can be a bit far from the city center
Highly-Rated Accommodations in Aurora-Vanchiglia
Combo Torino (Budget)
Located near the Porta Palazzo market (Europe’s largest open-air market) right on the border with the historic center, this is an old firehouse turned into a cool hostel.
While its private rooms and suites are not suitable for budget travelers, it has dorms of 4-6 people. The space also includes an on-site bar/restaurant, a cafe, a shared kitchen, and more, so it should cover everything you need. Browse its latest prices and availability here.
B&B IL SOGNO (BUDGET)
Located near the Lavazza Museum, this bed and breakfast offers small, simple double rooms with either a shared or an en-suite bathroom. Breakfast is included in the price, and you’ll also find a coffee machine in each room.
In terms of location, you’ll have some walking to do to get to the center, but the prices are definitely a bonus if you’re traveling on a tight budget. Read reviews and book your stay here.
B&B TORINO ARCURI (MID-RANGE)
Situated a stone’s throw away from the iconic Mole Antonelliana building, this bed and breakfast offers simple double rooms in a great location. There’s also a shared area where you’ll find snacks 24/7, and you’ll have plenty of places to eat only a short walk away. Browse reviews and prices here.
Other Places to Stay in Turin
Borgo Po
Since it’s located on the eastern side of the Po River, built on steep hills, and doesn’t offer an abundance of accommodation options, Borgo Po is not an obvious choice.
That said, it’s a quieter & less touristy district, those who travel by car will find parking more easily, and you’ll also be close to the historic center as long as your accommodation is located near Vittorio Emanuele I Bridge (which leads to Piazza Vittorio Veneto) or Umberto I Bridge.
In addition, Borgo Po is where you’ll find landmarks like the Gran Madre di Dio Church, Villa della Regina, and Monte dei Cappuccini viewpoint.
A highly rated place to check out in this area is Colazione da Augusta – Guesthouse.
Cit Turin
Located west of the historic center near Torino Porta Susa train station, Cit Turin is a small neighborhood known for its Art Nouveau buildings.
That said, it’s also becoming one of the most modern areas in the city with several skyscrapers, trendy cafes, and more.
Again, it’s not the obvious choice if you want to enjoy the best of what Turin has to offer, but it is an option. A couple of highly-rated places to check out in this area are Appartamento Porta Susa and ACADAMIS ApartHotel.
Other Turin & Italy Guides
Read more about northern Italy:
- Reasons to visit Turin
- Long weekend in Turin
- Tips for visiting Turin
- Things to do in Turin in winter
- Turin off the beaten path
- Aosta Valley road trip from Turin
- Turin or Milan
- Things to do in Vicenza
- Northern Italy road trip
- Places to visit in Piedmont
- Best places to visit in Lombardy
- Hidden gems in northern Italy
- Road trips from Milan
- Best places to visit in October in northern Italy
Other related posts:
- Best Italian road trips
- Prettiest Italian piazzas
- Italy travel quotes
- Gifts for Italy lovers
- Romantic novels set in Italy
- Things to do in Italy in winter
- Where to stay in Aosta Valley
- Best areas to stay in Bari
- Best areas to stay in Madrid
- Best areas to stay in Malta
- Where to stay in Malta without a car
- Best area to stay in Vienna for Christmas markets
* I haven’t stayed at every hotel I mention in this post, but each one is well-researched (by me) and has high ratings of 8.5+ on Booking.com. That said, you should always read the reviews and all the details about the facilities and services to see if they match your needs.
Grrrr…. I booked an apartment for one night for €75 and when the confirmation arrived it was €115! A cleaning fee of €40 had been added. So I cancelled it.
Now I’m searching through apartments and none of them show a cleaning fee until after you click on Pay Now.
When you book apartments on Booking, you can see the price, and in small letters under it, you’ll see the extra fees. When it comes to other types of accommodations, these fees usually only include city taxes which are roughly 2 euros per person per night, but apartment fees are more significant because of the cleaning price. But you can always see those details before completing the booking.